Leadership change, not regime change

A distinct policy stance where the stated goal is replacing specific leaders or personnel (leadership change) rather than overthrowing a political system (regime change). It produces a different target set (individuals and security organs), different messaging (appealing to 'sane' interlocutors), and unique strategic risks — including ambiguity that can escalate conflict or leave autocratic structures intact and more repressive. — Recognizing 'leadership change' as a separate objective matters because ambiguous distinctions between it and full regime change shape targeting, the likelihood of success, legal/political justification, and domestic political signaling.